Pinus massoniana needle extracts attenuate oxidative stress injury in cerebral ischemia reperfusion rats by regulating JNK3/caspase-3 signal transduction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Pinus massoniana needle extracts (PNE) on oxidative stress injury in cerebral ischemia reperfusion rats. METHODS: The SD male rats were randomly divided into sham group, model control group, Edaravone (3 mg/kg) group, PNE low-dose (200 mg/kg), medium-dose (400 mg/kg) and high-dose (800 mg/kg) groups. PNE was administered by gavage for 7 d before modeling and 6 h after modeling in PNE treatment groups; Edaravone was given by intraperitoneal injection 7 d before modeling and 6 h after reperfusion. The rat model of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion method. After 24 h of reperfusion, the neurological deficit score, brain water content and cerebral infarction volume of rats were measured. The pathological changes of cerebral cortex and hippocampus were observed by HE staining, and the number of normal nerve cells was counted. The apoptosis rate of neurons in cerebral cortex was detected by TUNEL method. The content of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in ischemic brain tissue were detected. The protein expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 3, phosphorylated JNK3 (p-JNK3), B-cell lymphoma protein(Bcl) -2, Bcl-2 associated X (Bax), cytochrome C and caspase-3 in cerebral cortex were detected by Western blotting method. RESULTS: Compared with the model control group, the behavioral score, brain water content and cerebral infarction volume in PNE groups were significantly reduced (all P<0.05), the pathological damage of cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA1 area was significantly alleviated, and the number of normal nerve cells in ischemic cortex and hippocampal CA1 area was increased (all P<0.05). The medium-dose PNE group had the best effect. Compared with the model control group, the apoptosis rate of cortical neurons, the content of NO and MDA in cerebral cortex, the ratio of p-JNK3/JNK3, the expression level of cytochrome C and caspase-3 protein in PNE medium-dose group were significantly reduced , and the activity of SOD, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were significantly improved (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PNE ameliorates brain injury after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats, which may be related to scavenging NO and MDA, inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated JNK3/caspase-3 signsal transduction to inhibit neuronal apoptosis.

A New Method for Screening Natural Products to Stimulate IFN-γ Production in Jurkat Human T Lymphocytes.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a critical cytokine in the defense against viral and bacterial infection. It is mainly produced by natural killer cells and activated T cells. Given its regulatory role in coordinating cellular and humoral immune responses, IFN-γ is considered to be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of viral infection. Here we established a fluorescence-based high-content screening model to find small molecules that can stimulate the production of IFN-γ in human Jurkat cells. After a primary screening of 267 natural products, two hits, Astragalus polyphenols and 6-shogaol, were identified to promote the activity of the IFN-γ promoter and subsequently validated by the flow cytometry assay. Obviously, both Astragalus polyphenols and 6-shogaol exhibited potential to induce the transcription and expression of IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated that our high-content screening model could be a credible and useful platform to contribute to the discovery of novel molecules to promote the expression of IFN-γ and provide leading compounds for the treatment of viral infectious diseases.

In vitro cultured calculus bovis attenuates cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and protecting mitochondrial function in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In vitro cultured calculus bovis (ICCB), which is produced based on the formation mechanism of bovine gallstones, is used to replace the natural bezoar. It has been used in the clinic to treat brain diseases, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease and depression. AIM OF STUDY: ICCB is used to treat encephalopathy in the clinic. We explored the effects of ICCB on cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) and the potential associated mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 90 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion, after being given different concentrations of ICCB once a day for 3 days. Subsequently, the neurological scores, brain oedema and volume of cerebral infarction were measured, and the histopathological changes in the cortex neurons were observed by haematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). Ultrastructural changes in the mitochondria of the cortex were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9, caspase-3, Mito-Cyt C and Cyto-Cyt C were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, the neurological scores, the volumes of cerebral infarction, and the brain water contents were significantly decreased in the ICCB groups at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. The ICCB treatment effectively decreased the neuronal apoptosis resulting from the CIRI-induced neuron injury. In addition, the histopathological damage and the mitochondria ultrastructure injury were partially improved in the CIRI rats after ICCB treatment. Western blotting analysis indicated that ICCB significantly decreased the expression of Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3 and Cyto-Cyt C protein levels while increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and Mito-Cyt C protein levels. CONCLUSION: The ICCB protected against CIRI by suppressing the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signalling pathway.

Harpagide from Scrophularia protects rat cortical neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation-induced injury by decreasing endoplasmic reticulum stress.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Harpagide is the main ingredient in Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl which is used for the therapeutic purpose of treating encephalopathy. Harpagide has shown promise in the treatment of oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced brain injury. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF STUDY: In this study, we aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect of harpagide on rat cortical neurons under OGD/R conditions that induce the development of ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To explore the biological function of harpagide in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), The CIRI model was established by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) on rat cortical neurons. It tested cell survival rate by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis by flow cytometry, intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+] i by cofocal laser, and expressions related to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: We found that pretreatment with harpagide (50 µM) prevented OGD/R-induced apoptotic cell death. Harpagide also significantly decreased the gene expression levels and protein production of ERS-related proteins. We found that harpagide also exerted a neuroprotective effect on TG-induced apoptosis in rat cortical neurons and decreased the gene expression levels and protein production of GRP78, caspase-12 and CHOP. We also measured the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in neurons and found that harpagide significantly decreased the [Ca2+]i induced by OGD/R and TG. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that harpagide protects against OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, likely by decreasing ERS. Collectively, harpagide was demonstrated to be a prominent suppressor of ERS and prevented the apoptosis of rat cortical neurons. Based on the results, harpagide could potentially serve as a therapeutic agent of ischaemia-like injury associated with excessive ERS and apoptosis.

Comparative Efficacy of Clinical Events Prevention of Five Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (A Network Meta-Analysis).

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ranks the most prevailing type of cardiac rhythm disorder and AF patients are associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke compared to others. This study is designed to assess the relative efficacy of several clinical events prevention anticoagulants in patients with AF. Conventional pairwise meta-analysis was performed with fixed-effect model initially, then network meta-analysis was performed with random-effects model within results illustrated by cumulative odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% credible interval (CrI). The rank probabilities of each treatment outcomes were summarized by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). We conducted a systematic review and collected key clinical data from 37 studies with respect to 5 anticoagulant treatments for AF. Patients treated with rivaroxaban and apixaban are associated with a reduced risk of stroke compared to those treated with warfarin (OR 0.72, 95% CrI 0.53 to 0.88; OR 0.68, 95% CrI 0.48 to 0.91). Rivaroxaban (SUCRA = 0.712) appears to be the most preferable one with respect to vascular events, and both apixaban (SUCRA = 0.720) and rivaroxaban (SUCRA = 0.678) are preferable to others with respect to stroke. Dabigatran outperforms others with respect to the outcome of mortality (SUCRA = 0.695), hemorrhage events (SUCRA = 0.747), and myocardial infarction (SUCRA = 0.620). In conclusion, dabigatran has a noticeable and comprehensive advantage compared to others with respect to preventing several complications including hemorrhage events, myocardial infarction, and mortality. In addition, apixaban may be the best choice of preventing stroke, and rivaroxaban is more preferable to others with respect to preventing vascular events.

Effects of in-vitro cultured calculus bovis on learning and memory impairments of hyperlipemia vascular dementia rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In-vitro cultured calculus bovis (ICCB) is a quality substitute for natural bezoar which is used for the therapeutic purpose of treating encephalopathy. ICCB has been authorized to use on clinic. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects and the potential mechanisms of in-vitro cultured calculus bovis (ICCB) on learning and memory impairments of hyperlipemia vascular dementia (HVD) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HVD model was established by permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries based on hyperlipemia rats. Learning and memory abilities were evaluated by morris water maze test and shuttle box test. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis) was employed to determine the SOD, MDA and NO in cerebral tissue, as well as the TG in serum. HE staining and toluidine blue staining were employed to evaluate cone cells damage in hippocampus CA1. An immunohistochemistry was used to measure the Bax and Bcl-2 expressions in cerebral tissue. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the abilities of spatial learning and memory and conditional memory were decreased significantly in HVD group (P<0.01, P<0.05). MDA content in cerebral tissue was remarkably increased while the SOD activity and NO content were both decreased (P<0.01). TG content in serum was increased remarkably (P<0.01). And the cone cells in hippocampus CA1 were damaged obviously. Compared with HVD group, ICCB treatment improved the abilities of learning and memory, elevated the SOD activity (P<0.01, P<0.05), reduced the MDA content (P<0.01) as well as the TG content in serum (P<0.01), increased the NO content (P<0.01), improved the damaged cone cells in hippocampus CA1, increased the number of cones cells (P<0.01), decreased the Bax expression, and increased the Bcl-2 expression (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ICCB could improve the abilities of learning and memory in HVD rats. It might be related to anti-oxidative, regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expressions, and the alleviation of cone cells damage.

A new ursane-type triterpene, cymosic acid from Rosa cymosa.

A new ursane-type triterpene, cymosic acid (1) together with two known compounds, 3ß,19α-dihydroxy-2-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid (2) and 2α,19α-dihydroxy-3-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid (3), were isolated from Rosa cymosa Tratt. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by analyzing its ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and HR-ESI-MS values. The three compounds were found to display moderate inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage cell lines, RAW 264.7 cells.

The antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin in mouse models.

Peony is often used in Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of depression-like disorders. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the total glycosides of peony exert antidepressant-like effects in animal models. Paeoniflorin is the main active glycoside of peony. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin in mice, as well as its active mechanisms. The results revealed that intraperitoneally injected paeoniflorin significantly reduced the duration of immobility in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. The doses that affected the immobility response did not affect locomotor activity. Furthermore, paeoniflorin antagonized reserpine-induced ptosis, akinesia and hypothermia. Paeoniflorin also significantly increased the levels of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the hippocampus. These results suggest that the upregulation of serotonergic systems may be an important mechanism for the antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin in mice.

Mechanistic study on the antidepressant-like effect of danggui-shaoyao-san, a chinese herbal formula.

Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), a famous Chinese herbal formula, has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Previous studies have shown that DSS produces antidepressant-like effect in rodents. This study aims to investigate the mechanism(s) underlying the antidepressant-like action of DDS. The results showed that DSS treatment significantly antagonized reserpine-induced ptosis in mice. In addition, DSS treatment significantly increased sucrose consumption in chronic unpredictable stress- (CUS-) treated mice. DSS treatment also markedly attenuated CUS-induced decreases in noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations in mouse brain. Furthermore, DSS treatment significantly reversed CUS-induced increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content and decrease in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice. The results suggest that the antidepressant-like activity of DSS is probably mediated by the modulation of central monoamine neurotransmitter systems and the reduction of oxidative stress.

Protective effects of paeoniflorin against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.

Neuroprotection has been proposed as one of the acting mechanisms of antidepressants. Paeoniflorin, a monoterpene glycoside, has been reported to display antidepressant-like effects in animal models of behavioural despair. The present study aimed to examine the protective effect of paeoniflorin treatment on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Paeoniflorin was shown to elevate cell viability, decrease levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in corticosterone-treated PC12 cells. Paeoniflorin also reversed the reduced nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA level caused by corticosterone in PC12 cells. The results suggest that paeoniflorin exerts a neuroprotective effect on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, at least in part, via the inhibition of oxidative stress and the up-regulation of NGF expression. This neuroprotective effect may be one of the action pathways that accounts for the in vivo antidepressant activity of paeoniflorin.

Curcumin reverses corticosterone-induced depressive-like behavior and decrease in brain BDNF levels in rats.

A rat model of depression has been recently developed using exogenous corticosterone (CORT) administration. This study aimed to examine the antidepressant-like effect and the possible mechanisms of curcumin in a CORT-induced depression model in rats. The results showed that 3-week CORT injections caused depression-like behavior in rats, as indicated by the significant decrease in sucrose consumption and increase in immobility time in the forced swim test. Repeated CORT injections also significantly decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the rats. Treatment of the rats with curcumin significantly suppressed the depression-like behavior and the decrease in brain BDNF levels induced by the repeated CORT injections. The results suggest that curcumin produces an antidepressant-like effect in CORT-treated rats, which is possibly mediated by increasing BDNF expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.

Paeoniflorin protects against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via Ca2+ antagonism.

Preclinical and clinical investigation has shown that hippocampal neuronal atrophy and destruction can be observed in patients with depression, and this can be ameliorated with antidepressant medication. Neuroprotection has therefore been proposed as one of the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. Paeoniflorin, a monoterpene glycoside, has been reported to display antidepressant-like effects in animal models of behavioral despair. The present study aimed to examine the protective effect of paeoniflorin treatment on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Paeoniflorin was shown to elevate cell viability, decrease lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in NMDA-treated PC12 cells. Paeoniflorin also reversed the increased intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration and the reduced Calbindin-D28K mRNA level caused by NMDA in PC12 cells. These results suggest that paeoniflorin exerts a neuroprotective effect on NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, at least in part, via Ca(2+) antagonism.

Herbal formula SYJN increases neurotrophin-3 and nerve growth factor expression in brain regions of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress.

AIM OF THE STUDY: SYJN is a Chinese herbal formula that contains four herbs: Bupleurum chinense DC., Curcuma aromatica Salisb., Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt., and Acorus tatarinowii Schott. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory have revealed an antidepressant-like effect of the formula in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depression model in rats. The present study aimed to investigate whether neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are involved in the antidepressant-like action of SYJN by using the same depressive model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were subjected to an experimental setting of CUS. The mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of SYJN was examined by measuring protein and mRNA expression of NT-3 and NGF in brain tissues of CUS-exposed rats. RESULTS: The results showed that NT-3 protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were significantly decreased in CUS-treated rats. CUS treatment also significantly decreased NGF protein and mRNA expression in the frontal cortex of the animals. Daily intragastric administration of SYJN (1300 or 2600 mg/kg/day) during the 4 weeks of CUS significantly suppressed these changes induced by CUS. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the antidepressant-like activity of SYJN is likely mediated by the increases in NT-3 and NGF expression in brain tissues.

Effects of SYJN, a Chinese herbal formula, on chronic unpredictable stress-induced changes in behavior and brain BDNF in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Suyu-Jiaonang (SYJN) is a Chinese herbal formula that contains four herbs: Bupleurum chinense DC, Curcuma aromatica Salisb., Perilla frutescens (Linn.) Britt., and Acorus tatarinowii Schott. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory have revealed an antidepressant-like effect of the formula in various mouse models of behavioral despair. The present study aimed to investigate whether SYJN could produce antidepressant-like effects in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depression model in rats and its possible mechanism(s). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were subjected to an experimental setting of CUS. The effect of SYJN treatment on CUS-induced depression was examined using behavioral tests including the sucrose consumption and open field tests. The mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of SYJN was examined by measuring brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein and mRNA expression in brain tissues of CUS-exposed rats. RESULTS: Exposure to CUS for 4 weeks caused depression-like behavior in rats, as indicated by significant decreases in sucrose consumption and locomotor activity (assessed in the open field test). In addition, it was found that BDNF protein and mRNA levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were lower in CUS-treated rats, as compared to controls. Daily intragastric administration of SYJN (1300 or 2600 mg/kg) during the 4-week period of CUS significantly suppressed behavioral changes and attenuated the CUS-induced decrease in BDNF protein and mRNA levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that SYJN alleviates depression induced by CUS. The antidepressant-like activity of SYJN is likely mediated by the increase in BDNF expression in brain tissues.

[Analysis of urinary storage symptoms following transurethral resection of the prostate].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), especially those in the urinary storage phase, following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and to improve the postoperative management and patients' quality of life after TURP. METHODS: A total of 86 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) underwent TURP, and were interviewed on urinary symptoms at 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days after removal of the catheter. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had preoperative detrusor instability and/or compliance of the bladder (Group A) or not (Group B), and observed for the changes in IPSS scores and urinary storage symptoms after removal of the catheter. RESULTS: Complete follow-ups were achieved in 71 cases, 28 with detrusor instability and/or compliance of the bladder and the other 43 without. Their IPSS scores on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th and 30th day after removal of the catheter were 8.1 +/- 2.5, 7.2 +/- 3.1, 6.3 +/- 3.8, 5.3 +/- 4.2 and 2.4 +/- 3.4, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the 7th and the 1st as well as the 30th and the 15th day (P < 0.05), but not between the 1st and the3rd nor the 15th and the 7th day (P > 0.05). On the 1st day, the cardinal symptoms in the urinary storage phase were urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence; the scores on IPSS and urinary storage symptoms were 10.4 +/- 3.3 and 9.3 +/- 3.8 in Group A and 6.2 +/- 2.8 and 5.2 +/- 2.7 in Group B, with significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). After treatment with tolterodine and alpha-adrenoreceptor inhibitor, neither IPSS scores nor the scores on urinary storage symptoms showed any significant differences between Groups A and B on the 15th and 30th day (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The lower urinary tract symptoms following TURP, especially those in the urinary storage phase, are correlated with preoperative bladder function, and getting improved gradually after surgery.

Herbal formula SYJN protect PC12 cells from neurotoxicity induced by corticosterone.

AIM OF THE STUDY: SYJN is a Chinese herbal formula, containing four herbs: Bupleurum chinense DC., Curcuma aromatica Salisb., Perilla frutescens (Linn.) Britt. and Acorus tatarinowii Schott. Previous studies on the formula in our laboratory revealed an antidepressant-like effect on animal models of behavioral despair. However,the mechanisms underlying such antidepressant-like effect are yet to be understood. The aim of this work was to verify the previously established antidepressant-like effects on cell level using corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells to see if SYJN possesses any neuroprotective properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PC12 cells were treated with 200 microM corticosterone in the absence or the presence of various concentrations of SYJN for 48 h. Then, cell viability, apoptosis, intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) concentration and caspase-3 activity were determined. RESULTS: Following the exposure of PC12 cells to 200 microM corticosterone for 48 h, there were reductions in cell survival rate but increases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. In parallel, corticosterone caused significant elevations in DNA fragmentation, [Ca(2+)]i concentration and caspase-3 activity. However, when the PC12 cells were incubated with SYJN at different concentrations (10, 50 and 100mg/L) in the presence of 200 microM corticosterone for 48 h, the above effects were evidently alleviated in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: SYJN could generate a neuroprotective effect on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, suggesting a possible action pathway of SYJN in vivo by decreasing the [Ca(2+)]i concentration and caspase-3 activity.

[Clinical effect of electroacupuncture combined with psychologic interference on patient with Internet addiction disorder].

OBJECTIVE: To observe, adopting randomized controlled method, the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with psychologic interference in patients with internet addiction disorder (IAD). METHODS: Forty-seven patients with IAD were assigned to two groups treated respectively with psychotherapy alone (A, 23 cases) and EA plus psychotherapy (B, 24 cases). The psychotherapy was conducted by cognition and behavior method, once every 4 days, for 10 times totally. EA was applied at acupoints Baihui, Sishencong, Hegu, Taichong, Neiguan, Sanyinjiao, etc. once every other day, for 20 times. Changes of scoring by IAD self-rating scale (ISS), anxiety self-rating scale (SAS), self-rating depressive scale (SDS), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and self-rating sub-health scale (SRSHS) before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 91.3% (21/23) in Group B, better than that (59.1%, 13/22) in Group A. By the end of this study, all scores in Group B, except HAMD, were significantly lower than those in Group A respectively, i.e., for IAD, 33.20 +/- 4.53 vs. 44.00 +/- 5.81; for SAS, 30.90 +/- 6.30 vs. 39.60 +/- 5.80; for SDS, 35.38 +/- 4.59 vs. 39.60 +/- 6.33; for HAMA, 7.50 +/- 2.54 vs. 12.70 +/- 3.68; for SRSHS, 39.60 +/- 5.66 vs. 48.40 +/- 6.91, showing statistical significances (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using psychologic interference alone or combined with EA can significantly reduce the ISS score and significantly reduce anxiety and improve self-conscious health status in patients with IAD, but the effect obtained by the combined therapy is better.

[Effects of electroacupuncture combined with psychologic interference on anxiety state and serum NE content in the patient of internet addiction disorder].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on internet addiction disorder (lAD) and to preliminarily probe the mechanism. METHODS: Forty-seven cases of TAD were randomly divided into a psychotherapy group and an EA plus psychotherapy group. The psychotherapy group were treated with cognition and behavior therapy, once every 4 days, 10 sessions constituting one course; the EA plus psychotherapy group were treated with EA at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. once every other day, for 20 sessions, in combination with the same psychotherapy as that in the psychotherapy group. Changes of score of lAD, score of anxiety self-rating scale (SAS), score of Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and serum norepinephrine (NE) content before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 91.3% in the EA plus psychotherapy group and 59.1% in the psychotherapy group, the former being better than the latter (P<0.05). The scores for IAD, SAS, HAMA, and the se-rum NE content after treatment were significantly decreased in the two groups (both P<0.01). Those in the EA plus psychotherapy group were significantly lower than those in the psychotherapy group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture combined with psychologic interference can significantly improve anxiety state and the mechanism is possibly related with the decrease of NE in the body.

[Effect of suyu capsule on behavior and injury of hippocampal neurons in depression model mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Suyu capsule on behavior, injury of hippocampal neurons and Ca2+ ion in hippocampal synaptic in the depression model mice. METHOD: Sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, the control group, the model group and three Suyu capsule groups (the doses were 22.8, 11.4, 5.7 g x kg(-1) respectively). The model was established by separation and chronic unpredictable mild stimulation. The increased weight and crossing score, rearing score were measured by open-field and sweet water consumption of mice. Cone cell and configuration of neuron in CA1, CA3 region of hippocampus were observed by Nissl. The concentration of hippocampal synaptic Ca2+ ion was detected by fluorimetry. RESULT: Comparing with the mice of control, the increased weight was slowered ( P < 0.01), the scores of rearing and crossing were decreased (P < 0.01), sweet water consumption were decreased too (P < 0.01), numbers of cone cell in CA3 region of hippocampus were decreased obviously (P < 0.01), and Ca2+ ion in hippocampal synaptic was increased obviously. Comparing with the mice of model, Suyu capsule (22.8 g kg(-1)) could increase the increased weight on the 14th and 21 st day obviously (P < 0.05); Suyu capsule (22.8 g x kg(-1)) could increase the scores of crossing obviously (P < 0.05), Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4 g x kg(-1)) could increase the scores of rearing obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4, 5.8 g x kg(-1)) could increase sweet water consumption obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05; Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4, 5.8 g x kg(-1)) could increase numbers of cone cell in CA3 region of hippocampus obviously (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05); Suyu capsule (22.8, 11.4, 5.8 g x kg(-1)) decreased Ca2+ ion in hippocampal synaptic with dose-effect relationship (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Suyu capsule can improve all the symptoms of the depression model mice and protect injury of hippocampal neurons in the depression model mice. The possible mechanism of action is to restrict Ca2+ ion overfreight.